Autism Programming

Autism Programming at the
Hormel Historic Home

Upcoming Events & Registration

Donate to ASD Programming

Upcoming Events we've Partnered with Other Organizations
to Bring to Austin:

We've partnered with LIFE Mower County to bring some fun and interactive events to our community.
Register on their website by clicking the buttons below:

2023 Autism Camp Information

Circle of Friends Day Camp

After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.

Circle of Friends Day Camp offers 5 days of educational programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering 1st through 5th grades.
2023 Camp Dates are: June 26-30
Registration is currently open for our 2023 Camp; to register click the Circle of Friends Day Camp Registration button to the left of this information.
A deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by May 30, 2023 but can be paid in full upon initial registration. To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving a participant's spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Beth Tobak, here or call 507-433-4243.
Camp Directors are: Hannah Gwin & Laura Eyre
This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea/Austin.
The curriculum is developed around the interests of the registered campers to ensure a high level of participation.
Camp capacity is limited to 20 participants.
For questions or to find our more details email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Beth Tobak, here or call 507-433-4243

All Access Community Explorations Camp

After registering, download the Participant Packet by clicking here and submit the completed packet to the Hormel Historic Home via mail or during regular office hours.

All Access Community Explorations Camp (AACE) is a 10 session educational camp that focuses on helping participants learn new skills and use them in new situations. This camp is to address the needs of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering 6th through 12th grades.
2023 Camp Dates are: July 10-14 and July 17-21; either 9am-12pm or 1-4pm.
Registration is currently open for our 2023 Camp; to register click the All Access Community Explorations Camp Registration button to the left of this information.
A deposit is required to reserve a spot; the full registration fee is due by June 9, 2023 but can be paid in full upon initial registration. To inquire about a scholarship (after reserving a participant's spot) contact our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Beth Tobak, here or call 507-433-4243.
Camp Director is: Carrie Murphy
This camp is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea/Austin.
The curriculum is developed around teaching life skills, communication skills, and includes 'behind-the-scenes' tours of local businesses. The tours provide an opportunity to practice life skills and communication skills with the support of camp staff. Participants become familiar with community sites and businesses they may need to utilize in the future as well as explore potential job opportunities at these locations.
Camp capacity is limited to 24 participants.
For questions or to find our more details email our Community Autism Resource Specialist, Beth Tobak, here or call 507-433-4243

Registration for our 2023 All Access Community Explorations and Camp Just for Me Autism Camps will not open until Spring 2023. More information will be updated here soon.

In 2009, with the addition of the 6000 square foot banquet hall, the leaders of the Hormel Historic Home made the commitment to increase programming offerings that benefit the community of Austin. With the rise in diagnosed cases of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, we decided to offer a space where the needs of families affected by ASD could be met.

We now offer the Circle of Friends Day Camp for kids entering 1st through 5th grade and All Access Community Explorations, a 10 session camp for youth entering 6th through 12th grades. In 2015 we added Camp Just for Me in order to meet the needs of kids on the Spectrum who need greater assistance. CJFM is a 5 session program for up to 10 young people ages 7-17.

In order to allow our younger campers to get together throughout the year we started the ASD Recreation and Teen Nights Program which offers parents a few hours off and the kids a fun night of socializing and activity at the Austin YMCA. ASD Recreation night programming is currently available for youth in K-12th grades.

In 2017, the Hormel Historic Home created " Autism Friendly Austin (part of the Hormel Historic Home)" with the goal of making the entire community of Austin aware of how those on the spectrum can be included in the community. The AFA initiative has trained and qualified businesses and services providers as Autism Friendly and has hosted a variety of activities dedicated to raising awareness of Autism throughout the year.

Downloadable Social Narrative to assist those with sensory processing disorders when visiting the Hormel Historic Home.

The autism programming at the Hormel Historic Home relies on fundraising and donations. All money raised remains in Mower County to support youth on the Autism Spectrum. Thank you for considering making a tax deductible donation today.

Autism Programming Support

Long version, 9 minutes

Short version, 3 minutes

Resources to help families cope with the COVID-19 pandemic
Carol Gray Pandemics and the Corona Virus Social Story
Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety
Narative to explain coronavirus situation
How to cope with school closures resource
A Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism
Music Therapy at home resource Toneworks Music Therapy Services LLC.
Visit Autism Speaks for more resources
Autism Parenting Magazine Resources
Coronavirus basics
Ideas for at home activities

Suggested entertainment:
TV Shows: Atypical and The Good Doctor
Movies: The Temple Grandin Movie
Books (Adult): Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, House Rules
Books (Young Readers): Rules

ASD Parent/Caregiver Network: Healthy Relationships for All Abilities
Presentation Materials

Learn more about the programming by view the videos below.
More videos available on YouTube

Our annual Stepping Out for Autism Walk is held in the springtime.